An Ozark resident was sentenced to eight years in prison on Wednesday, March 5 at the Greene County Justice Center. Matthew Steven Richardson, 55, received the sentence as part of a plea agreement where he pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree child molestation. In return, two other counts of second-degree child molestation were dismissed. more

Ozark High School government students had a rare and exciting opportunity to witness the judicial system in action as the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, held a special oral argument session in OHS’s auditorium on Feb. 27. This event provided students with a firsthand look at the appellate process, allowing them to observe real-world legal proceedings and gain insight into the complexities of the justice system. more

High school seniors Layton Ryan Huff and William Holden Beadle, of Nixa High School have been distinguished as two of the top academic students in the state through the 2025 Missouri Scholars 100 program. This statewide initiative, organized by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of 100 outstanding students from the graduating class of 2025. more

The Ozark Varsity Cheer (OVC) took first place in the Missouri State Gameday Championship at Missouri State University on Saturday, Feb. 23. It was the team’s fourth consecutive year to win the championship, and their first year as a coed team. more

Dear Fellow Voter, more

We love seeing our parents get involved in our elementary schools, especially when that parent is also a teacher at the high school! Dr. Albert Bryant, Ozark High School math teacher, recently administered a Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics Mathleague contest for four East Elementary students. Congratulations to fourth graders Samson Bryant, Duke Kirkman, Henry Witt, and Emy Yerby for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking the test — literally! more

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Breastfeeding can be a challenge for many new moms, regardless of where they live. However, a new study from the University of Missouri highlights a unique struggle faced by mothers in rural America: a lack of access to support systems and information. As a result, rural moms are more likely to stop breastfeeding within the first few days or weeks compared to their urban and suburban counterparts. more

As spring approaches, so do spring storms that may cause roof damage. After big storms, roofing companies may make the rounds in your neighborhood performing free inspections. more

The Christian County Sheriff’s Office Youth Academy has been moved to April. The Academy will meet each Saturday of the month, beginning April 5, and is open to Christian County Youth in grades nine through 12. more

It is going to take some time to get adjusted to the hour change. Could we just leave it one way or the other, so we don't have to deal with it twice each year? more

An alleged attempt to flee from a Nixa Police officer during a traffic stop on Sunday, March 9, led to the arrest of two people. Allana Stanley, 27, of Cassville, Mo., and James Larson, 38, of Seligman, Mo., were located and arrested after the alleged incident. more

Linda Sue Watts (Rickel) more

Elisa “Lesa” Diann Duran, a vibrant soul of 52 years, gracefully departed this world on March 3, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri, where she began her journey on Nov. 24, 1972. more

Charlotte “Elaine” Mann more

Carlene Mayberry more

David Winston Dawson, age 84, of Ozark, passed away in his home early Sunday, March 9, 2025. He was born Aug. 23, 1940, in Springfield, the son of David Winston and Freda Mae (Payne) Dawson. He graduated from Central High School in 1958 and joined the U.S. Navy the same year. After serving his country for three years, David returned home and received a bachelors from SMS (MSU). On June 7, 1963, he and Linda Lea Earls were married. He returned to his education and in 1971 was granted a master's degree from Drury College. more

Alyce Maxine Hughes, a remarkable lady of 102 years and nine months, peacefully passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 17, 2025. more

Betty Louise Swadley more

Mathew Howard Seay more

Pierrette Julia (Julie) Thomas more

When our youngest son and his wife found out they could not have kids, they adopted our grandson Ty from Guatemala. The following year, they adopted his brother Sam and brought him home to be with his brother. more

Your attempts at self-salvation guarantee you nothing but exhaustion! We scamper and scurry, trying to please God, collecting merit badges and brownie points, and scowling at anyone who questions our accomplishments. Call us the church of hound-dog faces and slumped shoulders. more

The Ozark Board of Education voted to hire Richard Fretwell as the Executive Director of Operations at their Feb. 20 open session meeting. The operations position became available following the retirement announcement of Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Curtis Chesick, who has been with the District for the past 20 years. more

The March 1 trout park opener wasn’t the only big event at this time of year in the Ozarks’ angling world. There’s another annual occurrence about to take place on some local streams that’s as near and dear to many area anglers as any other outdoor occasion. more

Finley River Art Gallery invites artists of all ages to submit entries in its first public competition of 2025. The Gallery sponsors four competitions each year that are open to the general public. more